The Tyee Is Recruiting Our Next Editor-in-Chief

This publication has come a long way since its founding by journalist David Beers and publisher Michelle Hoar in 2003. From that two-person scrappy startup has emerged a robust non-profit news operation with a roster of talented journalists, millions of readers and thousands of paying supporters — and through it all we’ve kept the scrappiness.

David launched The Tyee with a hunch: that British Columbians were hungry for independent, in-depth journalism, free from corporate or political control and delivered with wit and verve. Over many years of experimentation, that hunch proved correct.

Today, The Tyee is strong, stable and trusted. And seeking a new editor to lead our next chapter.

Our founding editor’s influence has helped shape not only what we cover, but how we do our work: with independence, fairness, intellectual curiosity and the courage to pursue difficult stories. You can see his background as both a newspaper guy and a magazines guy woven into the DNA of our publishing cadence and style. Under his leadership, The Tyee has earned a reputation for publishing investigative reporting that holds power to account, engaging with readers in experimental ways, offering rigorous opinion and analysis, and sharing voices left out of other news media.

Healthy institutions depend on leadership renewal. In 2014, David stepped back from The Tyee, returning in 2018 as special projects editor, and then ran the news side again when then-editor-in-chief Robyn Smith left the role.

“It’s been a privilege and incredibly rewarding to work with a great team to help The Tyee reach for big goals. We’ve checked off quite a few!” says David. “My biggest thanks go to our wonderful readers. They are why we are still here and motivate us to do our best.”

Indeed, The Tyee is in a strong position, with an experienced editorial team, a loyal and engaged readership and a sustainable funding model grounded in reader support, donations and earned revenue. And now we’ve received registered journalism organization status, well placing us to evolve and strengthen our work and increase our base of financial support.

We are looking for a new editorial leader who understands that they are joining an organization with a clear identity and a strong track record. That foundation is a strength, not a constraint.

At the same time, The Tyee has never been static. A digital news organization can’t afford to be. There is room to grow, to experiment and to evolve thoughtfully. The next editor-in-chief will have the opportunity to expand our reach, explore new formats and deepen our impact while staying rooted in the editorial principles that have earned readers’ trust for more than 20 years.

“I’m finishing my time as editor-in-chief in good health and with a sense of contentment. I’ll be eager to watch The Tyee evolve under refreshed leadership. The opportunities, I know first-hand, are exciting,” says David.

The person who steps into this role will inherit something increasingly rare in journalism: a well-funded newsroom that is functioning well. You’ll work with a publisher and a board who are firmly committed to editorial independence. You’ll operate in an organization whose business model works harmoniously to support and enable the publishing of great and sometimes boat-rocking journalism. You’ll be publishing for a highly engaged audience.

The full job posting outlines the role, responsibilities and compensation in detail. We are particularly interested in candidates who believe in independent, non-profit journalism, who understand the political, social and economic context of B.C. and who know how to work with people to help them shine and do their best work.

This posting will remain open until filled but we will start reviewing applications and reaching out to candidates on March 30, 2026, so don’t delay.

We ask that you help in spreading the word. Share this posting widely. Send it to editors and newsroom leaders who might be interested.

I can’t thank David enough for what he started and has grown. As we approach this transition with careful thought and intention, the Tyee team is looking forward to what comes next.